The Nature Conservancy has conducted over 100 fire training sessions since 1986. Having served more than 3,700 students to date, the Conservancy has earned a reputation for its innovative, experiential approach to learning and dynamic, interagency cadre and student bodies. We teach standard fire management classes from an ecological perspective, using examples and suggesting techniques for managing fire for ecosystem benefits. We have had students from almost every state and a few foreign countries, and represent a mix of Conservancy staff, federal, state and local partners and private landowners. The majority of our training work in the United States is funded through a cooperative agreement with the USDA Forest Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior.

There are three standard courses in our core curriculum: Crew Boss Academy, Engine Academy and RX-301/Workshop on Ecological Burning (WEB). We also sponsor fire training exchanges and other courses in concert with local, regional and national partners.

The Nature Conservancy is part of the Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS), enabling Conservancy staff, volunteers, and selected partners to obtain Incident Qualification Cards. Learn more about this partnership and what it means for Nature Conservancy fire staff.